Abstract
Simple SummaryEfficient pork production relies on a predictable supply of market pigs. Seasonal infertility caused by heat stress decreases fertility in sows during the summer months, impacting breeding targets and decreasing the efficiency of pork production. The present study examined the effect of a seminal additive containing caffeine, oxytocin, and lecirelin on the fertility and prolificacy of Iberian sows during two consecutive years. The results confirmed that inclusion of the additive in semen prior to AI decreased the seasonality effect, increasing the percentage of pregnant Iberian sows throughout the year.Suinfort®, a commercial semen supplement demonstrated to increase fertility and litter size in commercial sows, was tested to improve reproductive performance in Iberian sows. A total of 1430 Iberian sows were artificially inseminated (AI) with semen from Duroc boars and assigned by parity to receive the seminal additive Suinfort® containing 2 IU oxytocin, 5 µg lecirelin, and 2 mM caffeine (SF; n = 1713 AI), or to serve as non-supplemented controls (CON; n = 2625 AI). CON showed a lower fertility comparing to winter for spring (p = 0.001) and summer (p < 0.001); summer was lower than autumn (p = 0.012). SF removed this seasonal effect (p > 0.05). Fertility was significantly higher for SF sows during summer (p = 0.025) and autumn (p = 0.004). Total born, live-born, stillborn, and mummified piglets did not differ between CON and SF but were impacted by the season, with total and live-born decreasing in summer compared with autumn (p < 0.001) and winter (p = 0.005). In conclusion, seminal supplementation with Suinfort® improved the fertility of Iberian sows during periods of seasonal infertility.
Highlights
A significant factor contributing to suboptimal results from artificial insemination (AI) in sows is the lack of boar stimulation during semen deposition, which decreases myometrial contractions and uterine sperm transport [3]
We have shown that semen doses supplemented with oxytocin, cloprostenol, and buserelin increased litter size and fertility and helped to ameliorate seasonal infertility [8,10]
The effects of season on the fertility of typical commercial sows have been reviewed, and it was suggested that on the fertility of typical commercial sows have been reviewed, and it was suggested that both temperature and photoperiod are involved in the seasonal effects on sow fertility [9]
Summary
The pig industry depends on artificial insemination (AI) with liquid semen doses from selected boars. This technique has increased efficiency and genetic improvement [1], yet it can reduce sows’ reproductive performance [2]. A significant factor contributing to suboptimal results from AI in sows is the lack of boar stimulation during semen deposition, which decreases myometrial contractions and uterine sperm transport [3]. Fewer sperm reach the oviduct, decreasing the oviductal sperm reservoir, potentially resulting in lower fertility [4,5]
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